Tactile metronome

Abstract

A tactile metronome for use by a musician generally comprises a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme and a tactile transducer in electrical communication with the signal generator. The tactile transducer, which may comprise a piezoelectric device, a buzzer, electrodes or any substantial equivalent, is adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the musician in response to the generated electrical signal. A strap, which may comprise an elastic material or a soft cloth material with hook and loop fasteners, is preferably provided to secure the tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A tactile metronome for use by a musician, said tactile metronome comprising: 
 a signal generator for producing an electrical signal according to a desired timing scheme; and    a tactile transducer in electrical communication with said signal generator, said tactile transducer being adapted to impart a tactile sensation to the musician in response to said electrical signal.    
     
     
         2 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said tactile transducer comprises a piezoelectric device.  
     
     
         3 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said tactile transducer comprises a buzzer.  
     
     
         4 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said tactile transducer comprises electrodes.  
     
     
         5 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 1 , said tactile metronome further comprising a strap, said strap being adapted to secure said tactile transducer in place on the musician's body.  
     
     
         6 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said strap comprises an elastic material.  
     
     
         7 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said strap comprises a soft cloth material.  
     
     
         8 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said strap further comprises hook and loop fasteners for securing one edge of said strap to another.  
     
     
         9 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said signal generator is adapted to produce complex rhythms.  
     
     
         10 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said signal generator is programmable such that the musician may define said complex rhythm.  
     
     
         11 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said signal generator further comprises a micro-controller.  
     
     
         12 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said signal generator further comprises a display.  
     
     
         13 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said display is adapted to provide information regarding said timing scheme.  
     
     
         14 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 13 , wherein said information comprises frequency data.  
     
     
         15 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said display comprises a liquid crystal display.  
     
     
         16 . The tactile metronome as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said display comprises a light emitting diode display.